Surfectants
Surfectants give dish detergent its characteristic foaminess. They also aid in dissolving fats from dishes.
Phosphates
Phosphates aid in removal of food and prevent filmy residue from forming on dishes. This gives your dishes a clean-looking finish.
Chlorine
This ingredient aids in removal of tains (think coffee or tea) and leaves a clean surface on the dishes you are washing.
Enzymes
Enzymes added to dish detergent break down food into particles that are washed away.
Fragrance
Fragrance is added to dish detergent to cover the odor of chemicals used to make the detergent as well as to eliminate stale food odors on the plates.